My DREAM Guitar - Rickenbacker 330/12: MATTE BLACK 4K (Unboxing & Review)

In this video, I unbox & review a 2018 Rickenbacker 330/12 string guitar. I also show you how to install vintage style black knobs.
This guitar is so much fun to play. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a classic jangly guitar tone.
Rainbow Guitars: www.rainbowgui...
PickGuardian (Rickenbacker Knobs):
www.pickguardia...
Thanks for watching
-ConeHead
Filmed with Sony A6500 & iPhone X in 4K

[@0casin0]

i personally prefer the shiney finish, but i love that enthusiasm for the matt finish ^^

[@greablood1072]

Matt Finish is my homeroom teacher

[@patrickbuzzo1970]

This is not just a guitar....is a jewelry that when is played and heard,fills your ears and heart of pleasure!!

[@harveyradius]

Video gives me a 2009 vibe. Miss when youtubers put this level of dedication and effort into videos before posting them. Thank you for this great review, always wanted to buy one of these.

[@vanyagorkov8438]

I did not realize you only had 10 subscribers until a few minutes in. The editing and production value was really good. You have a new subscriber for sure!

[@mostachini9827]

Oh s*** you're right! New sub here also!

[@tobymj0781]

KG Bird that’s how many subs the channel had at the time stupid

[@ahard-daysnight6659]

Woah.. 1k+ subs now

[@polmccartknee3792]

Now he has 1.4K subs

[@SirHaxe]

In case anyone reads this, he got 2 more channels, GWR studios and NEO auto!

[@josephvanhinsbergh8880]

Don’t forget Johnny Marr used it in the Smiths

[@clicheguevara5282]

Both Thom and Ed in Radiohead as well.

[@ConglomerationCat]

And Peter Buck from R.E.M.

[@pckpat]

Tom Petty and Mike Campbell in the Heartbreakers. Paul Weller and Bruce Foxton of the Jam. The Smithereens from N.J. Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys. As well as a great many bassists (esp. in the 70's) incl. Chris Squire (Yes) Geddy Lee (Rush) and Paul McCartney of the Beatles of course.( as well as the already-mentioned Lennon and Harrison).

[@willparker9235]

It was his dream guitar he said in one interview

[@Moltar_Railfan]

Interesting to see where GWR studios is now

[@odoherty9434]

"It's True" was class man, guitar sounds just like the records.

[@spikealexanderofficial]

Love my 330/12, it's almost 30 years old - so glad I still have it.

[@turnerthemanc]

You took the words right out of my mouth. "Ive always wanted one, but every time I try one in a shop, the neck feels odd". I talked to the guitar assistant in the shop and he told me they come with 10's and the neck relief is a tad higher than it can be. I am used to 9's but I just felt the neck shape was strange too as well as narrow. They just look gorgeous.

[@OzzMazz]

Hi unknown person. I too own a double string Rickenbacker with an RRP of $3,500.00 I talked then down a bit. Lovely guitar. My first improvement, yes, improvement, was to have a twelve string bridge fitted. What a pleasure to have each string intoned correctly. Who's the fool at Rickenbacker that specified a six string bridge for a twelve string guitar? I took the guitar to show my Beatle nut friend and was dismayed when I opened the lid. Inside was a mass of guitar strings! The R Tailpiece had fatigued. No problem I thought, I'll just contact the local distributors. I followed protocol and handed back the pieces of the Tailpiece and waited, and waited and waited. I was told that Rickenbacker were slow and indeed they were, in fact it took TWELVE MONTHS for the tailpiece to arrive. I still wanted to use the guitar so I bought a third party tailpiece that was delivered in a few weeks. It's still on guitar, I have the replacement sitting on the desk under the monitor glinting away. I'll probably never fit it. Want to know why? Sure, I'll tell you. The tailpiece is made of diecast metal with a fairly course crystal structure, not really the type of metal to withstand the pressure of twelve strings. Yes it's highly polished, but really rough on the back, clearly not a high quality part. Glad you're enjoying your guitar.

[@OzzMazz]

I can understand that chorus effect Anthony, and it may be cute, but in my case the intonation was way out. I used to tune the guitar 'in tune' for the lower frets as that's where I spent most of time. However it was almost useless playing at the higher frets, way out. I'd rather have a twelve string bridge because I can adjust each strings intonation. If I want a chorus effect I can simply move the saddle and then back when I'm finished.

[@samsonwilkinson8090]

"The latches were really easy to open." That's it then I'll take two...

[@bruceferguson6637]

That matte finish is great. Always loved how Rickenbacker set up their 12-string headstock.

[@jethromahoby9513]

you should really make more videos. you could fool me into thinking you had a few hundred thousand with how well this video was done.

[@jamqc24]

The fact that this was your only upload. I thought you were a guitar collector. suprised me. Please upload covers!

[@davidng2336]

He uploaded a house construction vid 2 months ago.

[@kipptt]

The Rickenbacker Guitars have A melodic echo that my ears just enjoy.

[@zibbezabba2491]

That is a lovely guitar. I think the vintage style knobs are an improvement and look well better. Less busy on the eye than the originals. If Apple made guitars they would have used the vintage style knobs.

[@timothym.johnson3485]

I own 2 Rick's. 620-6 and 330-12. I love them both. Lifelong bucket list purchases.

[@geoffmower8729]

Hi great guitar I have the 330 fireglo and I love it. I was in a Beatles cover band in the 80s as George Harrison suits and all. Back then I used the 360 Rickenbacker 12 like George used but I had to sell it in the 90s. I finally decided to get another RIC and this time I went for the 330 12 it's just a cool looking and sounding guitar.

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

I put those same all black knobs on my guitar. I found out by going to Fry's that a lot of parts Rickenbacker uses are actually by the old company Philmore, they make a lot of bakelite parts like knobs and stuff. They also make rubber grommets that Ric uses (like between the pickguards and instead of foam on vintage style pickups). I bought the black knobs from Fry's, not through Rickenbacker's boutique, being upcharged.

[@keithlau3872]

This video was extremely well produced. The quality of the audio and video was top notch. Moreover, the structure of the content was superbly arranged. Not too long. Not too short. Adequately informative. Kudos!

[@filipgolonka3758]

You should release a full version of "It's True"

[@DevinRyanVitek]

Always loved the Rickenbacker tone on The Byrds’ “Have You Seen Her Face”

[@lucaminieri4239]

Your dream guitar is very ugly hahahajajajajaha fuck you

[@daverenick4782]

Me too. Younger then yesterday is a fantastic album. I bought it when it came out in 1967. Also really am into Clarence White on Byrds Easy Rider album...song is Tulsa County....

[@FaustPoon]

that's a gretsch country gentleman...

[@DevinRyanVitek]

Really? Didn't know.

[@daverenick4782]

there are 2 solos on 'Have you seen Her Face'and they sure sound like the Rick 12 to me....

[@robinmabbott7334]

Your right about it being easy to play I have the 330 6 strings and have only put it down for meals and Im 70 . It' a lefty and Im trying to get a truss rod cover in left handed then I need a wiring diagram for the blender knob Best guitar I ever bought

[@adominic9383]

This guy really likes the black knobs!

[@starlinyn9292]

So do I, UP MY ASS

[@matsgoalkeeping2448]

The Black knobs are much more stylish and more sharper

[@plrndl]

Not a lot of people know this. The blend knob adjusts the balance between the two pickups when both are selected (it's otherwise pointless). This gives the guitar a huge tonal range controlled by a single knob. With maximum treble cut on the neck pickup, and max treble at the bridge, you can go from Roger McGuinn to Joe Pass with a single rotation. It's awesome on the 360 with the "stereo" output and a two channel amp.

[@jkrause365]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Rickenbacker. (Note the avatar)

[@famousacosta5701]

For me would use hofner

[@almostliterally593]

I’ve had my 4003 since i was 16

[@TheMaineSurveyor]

It's got that undeniably crisp, jangly tone. What a great guitar! Great video, as well!

[@bootdaclown]

My Ric 330 is the holy grail of playability. I worship the ground I never allow it to touch.

[@jameshocking1188]

Oh and just to add if you want that original Roger McGuinn sound, look into a JangleBox. I have an original one and the 3rd generation. And it really delivers and you can use it on all of your other guitars!

[@pensiveboogie]

I have a Fireglow Ricky 330/12, purchased in Australia in 2004. It does produce an awesome sound. Great on Byrds and Beatles numbers of course. Just for fun, try it with a raunchy distortion pedal. I will never get rid of mine. Unfortunately i can’t say the same about the 330/6 Rose Morris Ricky I had in the early 1970s, sold for $250. That model Rick had an “F” hole, made for the UK market in the 60s. (Check out Pete Townsend’s early Who 330/12 Rickenbackers). That “F” hole peculiarity makes it a very pricey collectors item. Oh well, I still have my 330/12

[@loistor]

Damn you hit the recommended my guy

[@liamstrains6420]

only OGs know that he has a train channel

[@Simpsonsfan78]

DUDE I WAS ABOUT TO COMMENT THAT GWR STUDIOS IS COOL AND THE GOOF VIDEOS

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

My heart skipped a beat when you opened that case! 🤩

[@wesleygonzales2049]

Rickenbacker - they feel special, they hold their value, they have a unique sound. They are cherished by those that have the commitment to own one, they're hated by those that can't afford one. Rickenbacker is basically like Porsche.

[@paulobrandi7300]

Rickenbacker 330 12 strings used by George Harrison is an iconic guitar model, but I still personally prefer the red version of The 330 12 string Rickenbacker electric guitar.

[@susman6364]

wait your voice sounds familar........i know your GWR studios!

[@computermediaonline]

Nice guitar. You re-ignited my fervor for 12-strings. I borrowed a Ric 330-12 for a gig, played Feel A Whole Lot Better, crossed that off my bucket list. A new guitar always produces a new original song.

[@Megarobotsquadron]

on my 360, the blender knob is exactly that; it fades between the two pickups. The best way to see this work is to put the selector switch in the middle position. Put your bridge pickup tone knob all the way up. The put your neck tone all the way down. Now, this blender knob fades through the entire tone spectrum of the guitar. It literally fades between the two pups

[@anthonysclafani3963]

Excellent video, the quality and editing is noticeable

[@jeanpat8946]

One of the most beautiful sound in the guitar Pop rock history !!!!!!!! George Harrison and Roger MccGuinn are Rickenbacker heros !!

[@spartan876]

I got the SAME guitar, same finish and I’m in your boat. I love the matte black. I’m a massive smiths fan and I was so happy to get one, finally. Flipped it to left handed

[@kalvino67]

How did you modify to make it lefty? I’m desperate to buy one of these but ofc lefty versions are impossible to find!

[@MrTophatter]

Well look at that. I found a third gwr channel... neat

[@tmr626]

The 60's group The Byrds had a great sound with this 12 string. A neat song of theirs to check out is 'I Feel A Whole Lot Better' etc.

[@waynestephenson8798]

Sorry to double post, but it's absolutely gorgeous! I love it.

[@jameshocking1188]

Good job on the riffs! Welcome to the family! I own a 360 64 reissue 12 string and yes the neck is very narrow. I've heard they have widen the neck on the newer models. Ill never part with her, she was given to me for a Christmas present by my wife. I have had to "modify" some chord fingering but with the finger changes some advantages have been realized as well. But it was sure funny to watch some of band mates try to play it when they wanted to try it out.

[@garyroy6497]

The only thing I’d change if I had a rickenbacker would be the tuning pegs to the 60s pegs

[@Rocketsong]

Rainbow is a world class shop in a rather ratty end of Tucson. Whenever I am down in Tucson I always take time to visit.

[@gdrugg2006]

the matte is a really nice look. really brings it into the 21st century. i have a 1980 ric 450/12, sounds great and i love it for recording, but man, it's not the easiest guitar to play!

[@clicheguevara5282]

I FINALLY got my Fireglo 330 6 string this week. First guitar I've bought in 5 years. It's just about the only guitar I still wanted but didn't have yet. I absolutely love the sound. If you haven't heard "Lucky" by Radiohead check it out. It's another great 330 song.

[@guitarist_smith6283]

A Ric 12 was also my Dream guitar since first hearing the Byrds in the 1960's. Bought one in 1998 but owning one and living with the narrow fret board from day to day proved basically impossible to play it well. Dunno if they are any wider on newer guitars. So Dream shattered I sold it. I have a 1994 330-6 which is great and for a 12 I ended up modding a Dean Boca 12 string with Rickenbacker Toaster pickups and it sounds fine played through a Janglebox. I also have a Burns Double Six and an Ibanez AR3212 12 string and the Dean is very close to the sound of the Ric. Best of luck with the 330-12.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

Both Roger Mcguinn and Tom Petty both use a Vox V806 treble booster. Only made in '66 and if you can find one $500 or more. BUT Ananashead make the BYRD SONG Treble Booster all made of NOS (new old stock) at $125.00 USD it is a sweet deal. I have one ...i can not be without it.

[@gametheorynotrealjusttheor9760]

This Guy Will Never Return To Make Thomas And Friends Content It's All Over Our Dreams Have Been Broken

[@ludannelasyvyus1824]

@ConeHead IF they exist as aftermarket replacement parts, knobs with a GOLD center circle, would look 👁️ 🆒.

[@francispower1418]

I nearly bought one once. Had it on approval over a weekend from a now defunct but very well known guitar shop in Kew, south west London. I think they were selling it for one of the 'Right Said Fed' brothers and it had been built specially for him by Rickenbacker, so it was a nice one, played beautifully and was kind of collectable. I loved how it sounded and how it made you play in a different way. But then it came time to tune it.... a nightmare. And that was that. On the Monday morning it went back to Chandlers! For those wit slightly more patience than myself a nice addition to any collection. They ring like a bell.

[@aerohunter7]

Nice guitar! 12 strings definitely add a new dimension to a mix, for sure.

[@SpaceDisco1]

Yo, really high quality video for such a small channel. Voices were super clean & cuts also dope. You‘re own composition reminded me a lot of Radiohead during OKC so very good aswell. What I would suggest is getting some tones from legit Amps as well. I really dig the direct input into the software on one-hand because I record a lot of stuff like that as well and not many people do that, so keep doing that... but some tones of a Tube Amp would just add more context imo.

[@pedkfuri]

the song used in 4:52 is from a band called St Lucia (you may know (: ) which uses Rickenbacker guitars too.

[@tomhudnall1818]

I’m ashamed to say I didn’t even know what a rickenbacker was (though I recognized them of course). Not only have you made me a fan of the guitars, you’ve gained a new subscriber. Awesome stuff dude!

[@montag4516]

Rickenbackers have been, and remain, a purely American company. All production continues solely out of Santa Ana, California. No outside, Asian resourcing or bargain foreign branded models. Their basses and 12 strings, in particular, are nothing short of legendary, and no other guitar brands manage to sound quite like a Rick (that famous Rick jangle). You've most certainly been seeing and hearing them all your life,... and now your among those the know. Cheers.

[@rylieriley]

Those all black knobs look awesome with that matte black finish and white pickguard.

[@wald3568]

Paul weller, johnny marr, The Beatles best guitarists to use it

[@tat3w]

My Last name is true! My first name is a lie! 😂 are you deaf

[@tat3w]

My Last name is true! My first name is a lie! How was he shite

[@PaperBanjo64]

Roger Mcguinn, Pete Townshend, and Peter Buck have all used Rickenbackers as well.

[@davidroberts3086]

I like the way you presented this video. It focused on the guitar as opposed to other video's that focussed on the ego of the presenter. Until I saw this I was being put off getting one by the shredders.. Being a massive Beatles fan and in that age bracket I didn't want to be told not to get one; thanks I'll carry on adding the strat and 330 to my bucket list..

[@Peepeestorm]

I got a Rickenbacker 4003 in Jetglo back in February and it's been my dream bass ever since I started playing. Easily the best playing bass I got.

[@marvinbush5278]

That was wonderful. I've always loved Rickenbacker guitars and basses too. They always create great sounds and their beauty is overwhelming and transcends time. But in the end their prices keep me at bay.

[@josephmeyers3597]

I bought a 381 12string Chinese copy for under 400 dollars I'm telling you in all honesty I don't know if I just got lucky but the guitar is very well made is beautiful and sounds great and I own 28 guitars some very high end so I know a little bit of what I'm talking about it takes about 6 weeks to arrive I ordered mine on ally Express

[@cathanmccann1769]

He needs to upload more

[@Roystothecoolkid]

Great purchase for that price especially. I got a 1980 320 converted to a 325c64 that I purchased in 2011 for $1390.

[@LowgaenSchmidt]

I would love to get one Rickenbacker at some point. The most incredibly 12 string ever.

[@nalaflow6893]

Rick 12 string dream guitar or nightmare!! I have one for 20 yrs after many

[@svfemmedunord7834]

The Church's Marty Wilson Piper made great use of Rickenbackers.

[@walterhambrick8705]

I'm happy you have your dream guitar. I have a Takamine 12 string and my new 12 string Gretsch's 5422 (Amber (Blonde)). I tried playing a Ric' but after 10 years with my Gretsch Country "Gentleman" Classic, the Ric was much too small ! Also with the "thumbnails" it matches my other Gretsch. Enjoy your new toy (I have mine).

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

Kevin Parker (Tame Impala) uses the 335 not 330

[@orangeandslinky]

Why do you think no one ever even brings up that the Rickenbacker 12 has the string pairs in reverse from all other guitars. It's part of the stand alone sound of there 12's but NOBODY ever brings that up.

[@pwb0511]

I’ve owned 2 of them, sound great, feel light and wonderful but just try and keep them in tune.....good luck!

[@martinchesworth2721]

Yes your right, the knobs do suit the matte black finish, thank you for doing the video.

[@bomar8627]

My dream rikenbaker is the 325 its that john lennon look and the it has that rikenbaker sound

[@PillsBuryDoughBoy_]

Rickenbacker* and yes they have such a unique tone it's unbelievable

[@Rhezoloution]

Hi, you paid $1799? New? Im looking it uo and dont see anywhere under $2499. Any idea whats the deal is?

[@dansmusic5749]

You have to contact the dealer for true price. They can't publish it.

[@mrclassi7120]

I really love the Rickenbacker too and I dream for the 12strings too but in my country it's hard to see any Rickenbackers (i have never seen them)So sad

[@guitarbrian46]

I've always wanted a Ric 330 Fireglo. Funny you got it at Rainbow. I lived in Tucson for 21 years and the last big deal I did at Rainbow was to trade a Les Paul Standard and a Roland GR700 with the Roland G505 for a brand new Musicman Silhouette and a new Zoom GFX-8. They complained all the way through the deal that they were going to get stuck with the Roland stuff. It was gone in a week.

[@daciuk8]

Totally agree with the black knobs.

[@jkylel7401]

Almost 2 years now, how is the Rick holding up?

[@shadow6953]

He do Neo auto now. before he does Thomas and Friends goofs spot videos on GWR studio

[@yung-stephen]

for a second i was like "why would you put chorus on it" then i realized its a 12 string

[@estebanb7166]

I thought... "Why not just buy a chorus pedal?" Cool guitar though.

[@sunkintree]

@@estebanb7166 no way a chorus effect will ever sound like a 12 string

[@estebanb7166]

@@sunkintree Close enough. Plugins do everything. Believe it or not.

[@estebanb7166]

@Jeff Baker if you mess with it enough it does.

[@estebanb7166]

@Jeff Baker 12 strings are useless.

[@TheGconrad]

I saw Roger McGuinn a few years ago here in Portland. I need to order one of these and $2000 worth of guitar lessons. BTW, i enjoyed listening to you play.

[@batty2259]

Ooh, Beatles. Nice. Ticket to ride is a great song to start out with. Wish i had the money for Rics. So I've been a Gibson guy for years. It looks so small. Nice though. I am a bass player, so I like the 4003. I'd love to have a bluish purple one.

[@Organzaify]

who remembers Conehead's brother GWR studios

[@littlewesternbranchline852]

Me

[@edisonmirandilla7017]

Very expensive Rickenbacker but it’s worth it.Super sound..

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Did the 330 always have 24 frets? Can anybody explain that clamp over the 360 during the Chicago music segment? Did it feature an additional pick up?

[@noahjuan2234]

The clamp was used to hold down the octave strings converting it to a six-string. Those guitars are rare..

[@zibbezabba2491]

You're right, those new knobs look way better. Less fussy.

[@gonzorhernando5265]

That is one gorgeous guitar! Excellent playing too! Now I want one … a friend for my 360/12. Thanks for sharing! Keep on rocking! 🥰

[@gonzorhernando5265]

Great review on this baby too… thank you!

[@victorseastrom3455]

My dream Rickenbacker would be an Autumn Glow 1959 360 Capri. The most beautiful Ricky ever made. I still don't understand why they don't have a custom shop.

[@Transportationfan1421]

Bro The Beatles are my favorite band!

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Tom Petty and Mike Campbell swore by them...I want one so bad

[@razumikhinjones6283]

I was SOOO happy when he said 12 string :D

[@achannel1818]

If I end up making good money in the next decade, I'll hopefully buy the kind of Rick John Lennon used.

[@ibxgameryt9449]

In 8:04 Pls Everyone Tell me the Riff that he Made to Play Mr Tambourine Man by the Byrds The chords he used was the Basic chords I know that.

[@gustavoheberle6265]

Congratulations on your new guitar ! I agree that the new black knobs are better. Would like to include Sussana Hofs , as a true Rickenbaker guitar player .

[@davidgargiulo1012]

I don't know where I'll get the money to buy one, but I am going to get one. They are beautiful. You have sold me on it

[@DeadzoneDulpo]

I love the way you played twist and shout

[@theantihero636]

You have the most perfect Microsoft Sam voice, by the way.

[@ac9110]

I used to quite often take 6 strings off mine and use it as a 6 string. It didn't seem to hurt it at all.

[@souvlaki9951]

wow this is gorgeous guitar and it sounds amazing. congrats on managing to get it!

[@pilsplease7561]

I like the sound of this guitar. I am a Rickenbacker and Gretsch Fan!